Moshannon Valley School District
Athletic Department
Resocialization of Sports
Health & Safety Plan
Moshannon Valley School District
4934 Green Acre Road
Houtzdale, PA 16651
814-378-7616
www.movalley.org
Board Approved: Solicitor Approved: June 30, 2020 June 20, 02020
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Moshannon Valley School District
Athletic Department
Resocialization of Sports Recommendations
This guidance is preliminary; as more public health information is available, the administration
may work with impacted entities to release further guidance which could impact fall, winter, or
spring seasons.
The Superintendent and/or High School Principal reserve the right to stop or cancel all
activities if the guidelines outlined in this document are not followed by any or all coaches,
student-athletes, or staff.
INTRODUCTION
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented athletics across the world with a myriad of challenges.
The COVID-19 virus is a highly contagious illness that primarily attacks the upper respiratory
system. The virus that causes COVID-19 can infect people of all ages. Research from the
Centers for Disease Control, among others, has found that while children do get infected by
COVID-19, relatively few children with COVID-19 are hospitalized. However, some severe
outcomes have been reported in children, and a child with a mild or even asymptomatic case of
COVID-19 can spread the infection to others who may be far more vulnerable. While it is not
possible to eliminate all risk of furthering the spread of COVID-19, the current science suggests
there are many steps schools can take to reduce the risks to students, coaches, and their families.
The MVSD will take the necessary precautions and recommendations from the federal, state, and
local governments, CDC, PA DOH, as well as the NFHS and PIAA. The MVSD realizes the
knowledge regarding COVID-19 is constantly changing as new information and treatments
become available. These recommendations will be adjusted as needed as new information
becomes available in order to decrease the risk of exposure for our staff, students, and spectators.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations for ALL LEVELS for Junior and Senior High Athletics
1. Athletes, Coaches, and Staff will undergo a COVID- 19 health screening prior to any
practice, event, or team meeting. The type of screening will be dependent upon the
available resources and the Phase level. The purpose is to check for signs and symptoms
of COVID-19. The screenings could range from a verbal/written questionnaire to a
temperature check. Temperatures at 100.4 or higher will be sent home. Temperatures at
100 will require additional screening.
2. Promote healthy hygiene practices such as hand washing (20 seconds with warm water
and soap) and employees wearing a cloth face covering as feasible. (Face coverings are
recommended to help decrease potential exposure to COVID-19 respiratory droplets by
an infected individual. Face Coverings will not be used for athletes while practicing or
competing. Face coverings will be used by coaches at all times when practicing indoors.
Face coverings will be used by coaches when practicing outdoors when social distancing
is not possible. Hand Sanitizer will be available for team use as resources allow.
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3. Intensify cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation in all facilities
4. Encourage social distancing through increased spacing, small groups, and limited mixing
between groups, if feasible
5. Educate Athletes, Coaches, and Staff on health and safety protocols
6. Anyone who is sick must stay home
7. Plan in place if a student or employee gets sick or answers “yes” to any items on the pre-
screening questionnaire.
Athlete will be removed from team population
Parent/guardian will be immediately notified to pick athlete up
For confirmed cases of COVID-19 a physician's clearance will be needed to
return to school and/or athletic participation.
For fevers without respiratory symptoms or students who have tested negative for
COVID -19 to return to school and/or athletic participation students must be 48
hours fever free.
8. Regularly communicate and monitor developments with local authorities, employees, and
families regarding cases, exposures, and updates to policies and procedures
9. Athletes and Coaches MUST provide their own water bottle (clearly marked with
athlete’s name and/or number) for hydration. Water bottles must not be shared. There
may be bottled water available for athletes if a personal water bottle is not brought to
workout, but an athlete without a personal water bottle may not be permitted to
participate in workout.
10. PPE (gloves, masks, eye protection) will be used as needed and situations warrant, or
determined by local/state governments. Coaches will be equipped with a hand-held
thermometer, spray bottles with sanitizing product, protective gloves, and sanitizing
cloths.
11. Until further notice from the Superintendent and High School Principal, non-district
teams or activities may not use school property for practices/workout/activities.
12. All building use forms for pre-season workouts must be submitted to the Athletic
Director for approval. The Athletic Director will then schedule workouts according to
availability and level of participation.
13. Identify Staff and students who may be at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19
due to underlying medical conditions such as:
Age 65 or older
Lung disease, moderate-severe asthma
Serious heart conditions
May be immunocompromised
Obesity
Diabetes
Kidney or liver disease
14. In the event the district permits concession stands or other food, the organization must
adhere to the Guidance for Businesses in the Restaurant Industry. Guidelines may be
found at:
https://www.governor.pa.gov/covid-19/restaurant-industry-guidance/
CLASSIFICATION OF SPORTS
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High Risk: Sports that involve close, sustained contact between participants, lack of significant
protective barriers, and high probability that respiratory particles will be transmitted between
participants. Examples: football, wrestling, cheerleading (stunts)
Moderate Risk: Sports that involve close, sustained contact, but with protective equipment in
place that may reduce the likelihood of respiratory particle transmission between participants OR
intermittent close contact OR group sports that use equipment that can’t be cleaned between
participants. Examples: basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer
Low Risk: Sports that can be done with social distancing or individually with no sharing of
equipment or the ability to clean the equipment between uses by competitors. Examples: cross
country, weightlifting, sideline cheer
** High/Moderate Risk Sports may move to a Low risk category with non-contact
modifications. Team Activities should be limited to individual skill development drills
that maintain social distancing.
LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION
Level 1 (PA State Red)
Team Activities: No In-person gatherings allowed, Athletes and Coaches may
communicate via online meetings (zoom, google meet, etc.), Athletes may participate in
individual home workouts including strength and conditioning.
● All school facilities remain closed as per PA State Guidelines.
● Athletes and Coaches should abide by guidelines set forth by the local and state
governments.
Level 2 (PA State Yellow or Green – pre-season workouts) opening date to August 17th
Team Activities for incoming fall sports only may include: team meetings, open gym,
kick around, weight training/conditioning, cross country, and sideline cheer, etc.
Pre-workout Screening:
● All coaches and students should be screened for signs/symptoms of COVID-19 prior
to a workout. The screenings could range from a verbal/written questionnaire to a
temperature check. (See Appendix for COVID-19 Screening Form)
● Responses to screening questions for each person should be recorded and stored so
that there is a record of everyone present in case a student develops COVID-19
● Any person with positive symptoms reported should not be allowed to take part in
workouts and should contact his or her primary care provider or other appropriate
health-care professional. A clearance will be required to return to play.
Limitations on Gatherings:
● No gathering of more than (25 Yellow - 250 Green) individuals per group including
coaches per practice area.
● Controlled non-contact practices only, modified game rules
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● Social Distancing should be applied during practices and in locker rooms, and
gathering areas.
Facilities Cleaning:
● Adequate cleaning schedules should be created and implemented for all athletic
facilities to mitigate any communicable disease
● Athletic Facilities should be cleaned prior to arrival and post workouts and team
gatherings, high touch areas should be cleaned more often
● Weight Room Equipment should be wiped down after an individual’s use
● Appropriate clothing/shoes should be worn at all times in the weight room to
minimize sweat from transmitting onto equipment surfaces
Physical Activity:
● Lower risk sports practices may begin
● Modified practices may begin for Moderate and High risk sports (practices must
remain non-contact and include social distancing where applicable, activity should
focus on individual skill development). Face coverings will be used by coaches at all
times when practicing indoors, Face coverings will be used by coaches when
practicing outdoors when social distancing is not possible
● Students should refrain from sharing clothing/towels and should be washed after each
practice, including pinnies. This will be the responsibility of the coaches of that sport
● Athletic equipment that may be used by multiple individuals (balls, shields, tackling
dummies, etc.) should be cleaned intermittently during practice and events as deemed
necessary. This will be the responsibility of the coaches of that sport
● Hand Sanitizer should be used periodically as resources allow
● Spotters for maximum weight lifts should be stationed at each end of the bar
● Sideline cheer will refrain from touching, stunts, or stacking. All workouts will be
outdoors in this level.
Hydration:
● Students MUST bring their own water bottle (clearly marked with athlete’s name
and/or number). Water bottles must not be shared. There may be bottled water
available for athletes if a water bottle is not brought to workout, but an athlete without
a personal water bottle may not be permitted to participate in workout.
● Hydration stations (water coolers, water fountains, water cows, water troughs, etc.)
should not be utilized
Level 3 (PA State Green – all in-season district sports and out-of-season district sports)
August 17th until reaching Level 4
Team activities may include: basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, cross
country, football, etc. with limited person to person contact and competition.
Pre-workout/Contest Screening:
● Any person who has COVID-19 symptoms should not be allowed to participate in
practice/games, and should contact their primary care physician or another
appropriate health-care provider. A clearance may be required to return to play.
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● COVID-19 Screenings (Questionnaire and Temperature Checks may continue as per
State and Local government recommendations)
● Team attendance should be recorded
Limitations on Gatherings:
● As per State and Local Guidelines
● When not directly participating in practices or contests, social distancing should be
considered and applied when able
Facilities Cleaning:
● Adequate cleaning schedules should be created and implemented for all athletic
facilities to mitigate any communicable disease
● Athletic Facilities should be cleaned prior to arrival and post workouts and team
gatherings, high touch areas should be cleaned more often
● Weight Room Equipment should be wiped down after an individual’s use
● Appropriate clothing/shoes should be worn at all times in the weight room to
minimize sweat from transmitting onto equipment surfaces
Physical Activity and Athletic Equipment:
● Low, Moderate, and High Risk practices and Low and Moderate Risk competitions
may begin (As per State, Local, and PIAA Guidelines)
● Face coverings will be used by coaches at all times when practicing indoors. Face
coverings will be used by coaches when practicing outdoors when social distancing is
not possible
● Students should refrain from sharing clothing/towels and should be washed after each
practice, including pinnies. This will be the responsibility of the coaches of that sport
● Athletic equipment that may be used by multiple individuals (balls, shields, tackling
dummies, etc.) should be cleaned intermittently during practice and events as deemed
necessary. This will be the responsibility of the coaches of that sport
● Hand Sanitizer should be used periodically as resources allow
● Spotters for maximum weight lifts should be stationed at each end of the bar
● Sideline cheer will refrain from touching, stunts, or stacking.
Hydration:
● Students MUST bring their own water bottle (clearly marked with athlete’s name
and/or number). Water bottles must not be shared. There may be bottled water
available for athletes if a water bottle is not brought to workout, but an athlete without
a personal water bottle may not be permitted to participate in workout.
● Hydration Stations may be used but MUST be cleaned after every practice/event.
Level 4 (PA State Green - once permitted by PIAA)
Team Activities include: Low/Moderate Sports may resume. High Risk Sports (Football,
Wrestling, and Cheerleading Stunting) may begin full person to person contact and
competition. No restrictions placed on any sports.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
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Transportation:
Modifications for student/coach transportation to and from athletic events may be necessary.
This may include:
● District reserves the right to reduce the number of students/coaches on transportation
● Washing hands before boarding or using hand sanitizer upon boarding transportation
when resources allow
● Social distancing on transportation where feasible
● A face covering will be worn at all times by athletes/coaches on transportation
These potential modifications will be determined by the school district, bus companies,
Department of Education, State and Local governments.
Social Distancing during Contests/Events/Activities
● Sidelines/Bench – appropriate social distancing will need to be maintained on
sidelines/bench during contests and events, as deemed necessary by the school,
PIAA, state and local governments. Consider using tape or paint as a guide for
students and coaches.
Who should be allowed at events?
Group people from essential to non-essential and decide which will be allowed at an event:
1. Essential – Athletes, coaches, officials, event staff, medical staff, security, media
For essential, all competitions will be live-streamed at no cost
2. Non-essential – Spectators, vendors when permitted by the district based on PA
State, CDC, and PIAA guidelines
● Changes to seating capacity and social distancing may be necessary for each venue
facility and will be determined as more recommendations are released by the
local/state governments.
● Live-streaming of competitions may be available
Overnight/Out of State Events/ Events in COVID-19 Hot Spots
● The MVSD will evaluate each event and follow all local/state government guidelines
on a case by case basis. Every consideration will be taken as to not expose students
to unnecessary or potential high risk exposure.
COVID-19 GUIDELINES
What are the signs and symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. The symptoms may range from
mild to severe. (See CDC Fact Sheet in Appendix). Symptoms may include:
● Fever or chills (100.4 or High)
● Cough
● Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
● Fatigue
● Muscle or body aches
● Headache
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● New loss of taste or smell
● Sore Throat
● Congestion or runny nose
● Nausea or vomiting
● Diarrhea
What to do if you are sick? ● If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you are infected with the virus, STAY AT
HOME. It is essential that you take steps to help prevent the disease from spreading
to people in your home or community. If you think you have been exposed to
COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, call your healthcare provider for
medical advice.
● Notify the school immediately (principal, athletic director, athletic trainer, coach)
● It will be determined if others who may have been exposed (students, coaches, staff)
need to be notified, isolated, and /or monitored for symptoms
● If a Positive case of COVID-19 is Diagnosed Contact Tracing will be implemented
with the assistance of local health professionals and the CDC/PA DOH. See
Information in Appendix.
What to do if a student or staff become ill with COVID-19 symptoms during practice,
event, or during transportation to or from an event?
● Every effort will be made to isolate the ill individual from others, until the student or
staff member can leave the school or event
● If student, parent/guardian will be contacted immediately, and arrangements will be
made for the student to be picked up
● Ill individual will be asked to contact their physician or appropriate healthcare
professional for direction
Return of student or staff to athletics following a COVID-19 diagnosis?
● Student or staff should have medical clearance from their physician or appropriate
healthcare professional, determined to be non-contagious,
Fever free (without fever-reducing medicine), improvement in respiratory symptoms
(cough, shortness of breath), no vomiting or diarrhea.
EDUCATION
Staff, Coaches, Parents and Athletes will be educated on the following (through posters, flyers,
meetings, emails, phone calls):
● COVID-19 signs and symptoms
● Proper ways to limit exposure to COVID-19 (hand washing, cough in your elbow,
disinfecting touched surfaces, social distancing, avoid touching eyes, nose, face and
mouth, no spitting, gum chewing, etc.)
● No Handshakes/Celebrations (high fives, fist/elbow bumps, chest bumps, hugging),
etc.
● The content of this Return to Sport Guidelines Document
● Any pertinent COVID-19 information released by state/local governments, NFHS,
and PIAA.
● Students should come dressed for activity
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● Limit indoor activities and the areas used. Locker room use is not permitted Facility
showers cannot be used
● Student Athletes should remain with their assigned groups during each workout and
during daily workouts to limit the number of people they come in contact with.
● No students allowed in training areas without the presence of an athletic trainer
● Coaches will be equipped with a hand-held thermometer, spray bottles with sanitizing
product, protective gloves, and sanitizing cloths.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Other considerations that will be in place for Pre K-12 athletics:
Elementary athletics will not be permitted on school grounds until PA state guidelines
allow for no restrictions concerning gatherings/cleaning
A meeting will be held to educate coaches on restrictions/guidelines concerning pre-
season and in-season workouts/practices
Coaches (paid and volunteer) will sign a waiver outlining health guidelines that must be
followed for workouts/practices
Workouts will be phased in by sport according to the ability of the district to follow
cleaning/disinfecting guidelines set forth in this document
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APPENDIX
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Moshannon Valley Athletic Department
Athlete and Staff COVID-19 Screening
Coach: ________________________________________ Date: ___________
Grade: _________ Sports: _______________________________________
Students/Coaches should self-report as deemed necessary prior to each practice/event.
Temperature may be taken from a designated trained individual as needed. The other symptoms should
be marked only as “Y” Yes answers.
For the column - “Close Contact” - the answer should reflect the following question:
Within the past 14 days, have you had close contact with someone who is currently sick with suspected or
confirmed COVID-19? (Note: Close contact is defined as within 6 feet for more than 10 consecutive
minutes, without PPE equipment.)
If any responses are “YES”, students will NOT be allowed to practice or compete, and will be asked to
leave school grounds. Temperatures at 100.4 or higher will be sent home. Temperatures at 100 will
require further screening. Parents/Guardians will be notified.
PLAYER TEMP Fever/
Chills
Cough Sore
Throat
Short of
Breath
Loss
Taste/
Smell
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Close
Contact
***
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BACKGROUND
Contact tracing is the process of reaching out
to anyone who came into close contact with an individual who is positive for COVID-19. Contact tracing
helps monitor close contacts for symptoms and to determine if they need to be tested. Contact tracing is
a key strategy for preventing the further spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
WHAT DOES THIS PROCESS LOOK LIKE?
- In contact tracing, public health staff work with a case to help them recall everyone they have
had close contact with during the time they were infectious.
- Public health staff then inform individuals who have had close contact (e.g. “close contacts”)
that they have potentially been exposed to COVID-19. Close contacts are only told that they
may have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19; they are not told who may have
exposed them.
- Close contacts are given education, information and support so they understand their risk. They
receive information on what they should do to separate themselves from others who have not
been exposed, how to monitor themselves for illness, and are made aware that they could
possibly spread the infection to others, even if they do not feel sick.
- Close contacts will be asked to quarantine themselves and are encouraged to stay home and
maintain social distancing through the end of their infectious period, which is about 14 days, in
case they become sick. They should monitor themselves by checking their temperature twice a
day and watch for any other symptoms of COVID-19. Public health staff will check in with these
contacts to make sure they are self-monitoring and have not developed symptoms.
- If a close contact develops symptoms, they should isolate themselves and let public health staff
know. The close contact will be evaluated to see if they need medical care. A test may be
necessary unless the individual is already in a household or long-term care facility with a
confirmed case, then the close contact would be considered a probable case without a test.
WHAT TERMS SHOULD I KNOW WHEN IT COMES TO CONTACT
TRACING?
• A case is a patient who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. A case should isolate themselves,
meaning they should stay away from other people who are not sick to avoid spreading the illness.
• A close contact is an individual who had close contact with a case while the case was infectious. A
close contact should quarantine themselves, meaning they should stay at home to limit community
exposure and self-monitor for symptoms.
• A contact of a close contact is an individual who had or continues to have contact with a close
contact. A contact of a close contact should take all regular preventative actions, like washing hands,
covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning surfaces frequently. A contact of a close contact should
be alert for symptoms.
WHAT IS CONTACT TRACING ?
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RESOURCES: NFHS: Guidance for Opening Up High School Athletics and Activities (per update on May 2020) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html “What You Should Know About COVID-19 to Protect Yourself and Others”, “Schools Decision Tree” PA Department of Health Website: health.pa.gov “Coronavirus Symptoms” “What is Contact Tracing” “Phased Reopening Plan by Governor Wolf” A Guide to Re-Entry to Athletics in Texas Secondary Schools By Jamie Woodall, MPH, LAT, ATC, CPH and Josh Woodall Med, LAT, ATC
Guidance for All Sports Permitted to Operate During the COVID-19 Disaster Emergency to
Ensure the Safety and Health of Employees, Athletes and the Public
https://www.governor.pa.gov/covid-19/sports-guidance/ Concession stands or other food must adhere to the Guidance for Businesses in the Restaurant Industry. https://www.governor.pa.gov/covid-19/restaurant-industry-guidance/
